Chapter 7 – Steamy Encounters

Hot water sprayed across Spike's body as he rinsed the shampoo from his platinum locks. He grabbed the bottle of conditioner and sniffed at it suspiciously. Cordelia had gotten Angel to buy it and the label guaranteed soft and silky results. Why would that little trouble maker care how Angel's hair felt? Shrugging his shoulders he worked some in then reached for the soap.

The door opened and large hands settled on his waist. Spike stiffened. It had to happen sooner or later and maybe it was better that it happened now. Fingers trailed lightly across a scratch before moving on to the next one. After his back and bottom was inspected Angel turned him around to examine his front. The bruises and scratches were almost gone but they hadn't faded completely.

"Was this done in play?" His Sire asked with hands planted on either side of him.

Spike wanted to lie. He wanted to protect Buffy so he nodded his head.

A kiss was placed on the corner of his mouth and Angel rubbed his nose along his cheek.

"Don't lie to me," Angel said whispering in his ear and his hand cupped him. "You mean as much to me as she does. And if you don't tell me then I'll ask her."

"It's settled either way.  Let it go."

"No, it's not settled. That was one of the first rules. She was not to hit you in anger and if she has broken it I need to know."

"I provoked her and pushed her when I could've stopped her. We were fighting and I deliberately said the one the one thing that I knew would cut so we're even."

Spike ran his hands along the muscled chest of his lover. He didn't want a fight tonight. It was Buffy's birthday and he knew she really needed a night for her so he was going to try and distract Angel. It was just an added bonus that he would enjoy the distraction, too. His fingers flicked at the small brown nubs on either side of the plane of flesh he was feeling.

"Trying to divert me from my mate's disobedience?" Angel asked returning his hands to Spike's hips.

"Is it working?" Spike asked, licking along Angel's neck before tugging on his ear lobe with his teeth.

"Yeah, for now," Angel answered, his fingers digging into Spike's buttocks. "But just be warned I haven't forgotten."

Neither one of them paid attention as the door click shut when their lips met. At first it was a slow exploration, lips meeting, separating, a tongue flicking along the pouting lip of Spike before he couldn't handle the teasing anymore. His fingers delved into those brown locks and pulled Angel closer. Tongues dueled and Spike rejoiced as hands glided over wet flesh. It had been so long since he had his Sire to himself. It wasn't that he minded sharing with Buffy but it was different when it was just the two of them. They could let loose without worrying about hurting her.

It was sweet torture when Angel broke their kiss and peppered a trail of heated desire along Spike's jaw, halting at his throat. A small growl echoed against the tiles as Angel vamped out. Spike groaned when fangs scratched along his neck and shoulder. His toes caressed Angel's ankle then calf before he wrapped his leg around his lover's waist.

"That's it, Baby, make it easy for me," Angel moaned as his tongue lapped across Spike's muscled stomach. His hand wrapped around Spike's other thigh and lifted it so it could be wrapped around his waist. 

Spike wrapped his hands around the pipe that hung over the shower when Angel lifted him and he hoped to hell it would hold his weight.

Angel dipped his tongue into his Childe's belly button, licking, before letting one of his fangs scrap along the inside the small crater. Spike arched upwards at the sensation wanting more. His fingers threaded through the drenched threads of Angel's hair pulling him closer. He was pulled outwards so his back was almost parallel to the floor and one hand lifted him again, hooking Spike's knee over Angel's shoulder. Grinning in anticipation Spike moved his other leg up. He felt like he was floating in a rainstorm as water splashed over his stomach and chest, streaming over his body before falling to the tiled floor.  The sensual feel of the water was ignored as he watched Angel's mouth pleasure him.

"Please, Angel," Spike begged.

Angel knew him too well and with his mouth and hand quickly brought Spike to his release.

Angel gathered Spike against him in a hug that only reminded him that his Sire was still in need of his own release. His hand slid down the brunette's belly.

"I want to make love to you," Angel whispered.

Spike let Angel push him to the floor. Angel took him without restraint and the force almost made Spike slide across the slick floor. Hands held his hips and he knew he was safe in his lover's embrace. This part of him was only his Sire's. No one else had ever taken him and no one else ever would. In a way he pitied Buffy because her body was no longer the sole domain of just one of them. This was sacred between Sire and Childe and the emotions it invoked made Spike vamp out. Snarling he moved to his knees and pulled those hands across his stomach. His head fell back.

"Take me, Angel," Spike implored.

He wanted to be dominated. He wanted the lust and the blood and the power of this creature that held him so tightly. The fangs broke through his skin and Spike roared with the submission of his body. The thrusts sped up and there was almost pain with the strength of them. It didn't matter. Nothing did but the feelings between them.

"Damn, boy," Angel moaned as he released Spike's throat. "You are the only that makes me feel this way."

His Sire shuddered as he found his own release.  For a long moment they merely sat there while Angel petted and caressed Spike. It was only when they heard Buffy moving around in the bathroom did they separate and finish their preparations for the night.

~~~~~~~~~

His anger returned when he heard Buffy. She had been acting as if her feelings were the only ones that counted. How dare she lay a hand on Spike? For a moment a white hot rage flooded his heart but the pressing of lips against his back changed his mind again. In order to maintain the peace Angel pushed those explosive feelings aside as he opened the door to the shower.

The anger started to melt.

Buffy stood waiting for them to step out. In her hands was held a towel ready to wrap around his waist.

His eyes drifted over the rest of her appreciating the way her hair was piled on top of her head. Her make up was meticulous with her eyes carefully outlined so they appeared mysterious and large in her face. And whatever bad feelings he had blended into an intense rush of adoration at the sight of her swimming in his robe. The silky material had to have been wrapped around her tiny waist twice and it fell to her feet.

It was only when a hand was pressed to his back that he shook off the stunned feeling and stepped out. A coquettish smile was offered as the towel was pulled around him and fastened. Another towel was thrown over his shoulders and he stepped out of the way so she could repeat the procedure with Spike.

His and Spike's razors were laid out on the counter along with a bottle of Acqua Di Gio after shave lotion, and bowl of warm shaving cream. His girl had been busy. Her hand on his arm pulled him around.

"Sit and let me take care of you," Buffy said her voice sultry and seductive and he felt a tug of desire through his loins.

"Have you ever shaved anyone?"

"Spike taught me."

Angel looked up at Spike sitting on the counter.

"We get bored when you're not around," Spike explained, shrugging while towel drying his hair.

"Glad to know that you're being productive," Angel commented as he sat on the toilet seat.

Angel lifted his face as Buffy spread shaving cream across his jaw line. Her fingers were sure as she stroked him and he had to admit that it was enjoyable to be pampered as she scraped the razor across his cheek. Buffy was all business as she turned his face from right to left to make sure that she hadn't missed anything. A warm towel wiped the last of the cream from him only to be replaced by the cooling scent of the after shave lotion. Angel started to stand but a delicate feminine hand pushed him back.

"Your hair now," Buffy said.

She spread gel through his hair with patience and the hair dryer was directed where Buffy's fingers mussed through his hair. Angel glanced over at Spike who gave him a thumbs up to his silent inquiry on how he looked.

"All done," Buffy said. "Your clothes are laid out on the bed."

Angel headed for the bedroom as Buffy started the procedure with Spike. He was curious as to what had started the geisha routine. Guilty conscious maybe? Spike didn't want to answer his questions and he wondered if there were other things going on that he didn't know about. But Spike wasn't the type to put up with shit for very long. He was a fighter and he couldn't see him bending to anyone's will especially a Slayer. He glanced into the bathroom as he tucked his shirt in and wondered if maybe he was wrong. There was a look of love on his Childe's face as Buffy styled his hair the way she wanted and the depth was nothing he had ever seen before not even for Drusilla.

Smiling like children his mates spilled from the bathroom. Buffy brushed his hands aside so she could do his tie.

"Spike, teach you this?" Angel asked as her fingers flipped the material.

"Actually it was my father," Buffy said. "A very long time ago when he still cared."

"I'm sorry," Angel said, placing a kiss on her cheek.

"Don't be. I've accepted it by now," Buffy said, moving to help Spike finish dressing.

Spike was grumbling about having to wear a suit but Buffy smoothed his ruffled feathers. She whispered how hot he looked in the black garment with the light blue silk shirt. His tie was fixed and she grabbed her bags.

"I'm going to dress in the bathroom," Buffy said, grinning as she shut the door behind her.

"Surprise?" Angel asked, nodding toward the door that separated them from their mate.

"Yeah, she and Jenny went shopping last week and Buffy wouldn't let me see," Spike said. "She's actually kept it at her Mum's.

Slipping his arms around the back of Spike's waist, Angel hugged him.

"Is everything all right?" Angel asked.

"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?"

"Just wanted to make sure," Angel answered, turning his Childe so he could reach his lips. They spent the next few minutes kissing while they waited for Buffy to exit the bathroom.

The door opened and they broke apart. Buffy stood at the edge of the bedroom. Her hands smoothed down the skirt of her dress as she waited for them to comment. The black lace clung to every curve emphasizing the swell of her hips and the low v-neckline left an ample view of her breasts. Bell sleeves played peek-a-boo with her hands that were echoed with the skirt that flared slightly around her knees. Her legs were clad in black stockings tucked into impossibly high black pumps.

"You are beautiful," Spike said.

A flush glowed on her cheeks as Buffy waited for Angel to respond. Something kicked his brain into gear as stepped closer to her. He took her hand, raising it to his lips to kiss it.

"You are the most exquisite creature I have ever seen," Angel said.

"Thank you," Buffy whispered.

Angel pulled her to sit on the bed. He handed her a box and she smiled as she ran her fingers over the wrapping paper. The ribbon was pulled carefully apart as he sat next to her. Spike took a seat on the other side of her. The wrapping papers was refolded and placed behind her before she flipped opened the lid on the jewelry box.

"Oh, Angel, it's beautiful," Buffy breathed, her fingers running over the delicate necklace. It was a platinum chain with a single diamond pendent. She extricated it from the box and held it out to him. "Fasten it for me."

Buffy turned her back to him and he hung the necklace around her neck, fumbling for a moment before getting it fastened. His fingers stroked the back of her neck before she turned around again. He was rewarded with a soft kiss and shining eyes.

"Oh, I guess you want something from me, too," Spike joked when Buffy turned expectant eyes to him. "Thought I was present enough for you?"

They laughed and kissed. Buffy had called Angel earlier and told him that she had woken that morning to find Spike with nothing but a bow on his chest. He had told her that he was her birthday present.

Spike stood to retrieve a present from the dresser top. He handed it to her and Angel could feel the tension that radiated from his Childe. He hadn't gone with a typically romantic present. And he knew that Spike was nervous about competing with him over presents for Buffy. Christmas had been easier. They had shopped together and put all the presents from Santa. This was the first time they had each selected and given a gift from them personally.

Buffy opened the box and Angel hoped that even if she didn't like it that she would show the appreciation that Spike deserved for giving it. She gave a small gasp as it was revealed. It was a leather bound day planner.

"I thought with you having so much going on that you could use it to keep track of everything and everyone," Spike explained.

Flipping through the pages Buffy hadn't said anything. Finally she looked up at Spike and cupped his face.

"Thank you. I do need it and it's going to be a great help," She said while her arms slid around Spike in a tight hug. "I love you."

A feeling of relief flooded him when Spike smiled at him over her shoulder. Things were okay between the two of them. Realizing he may have been overreacting about Buffy's behavior with Spike he decided to drop the matter about the bruises. If his Childe wasn't holding any grudges over the matter then he figured neither should he.

A car honked outside and Angel went to look out the window. Just on time and he turned to his companions.

"The car is here to pick us up," Angel said.

"Car? You got us a limo?" Buffy asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Only the best for you tonight," Angel answered, taking her hand and leading her up the stairs.

The driver held the door open for them to slide into the car. Buffy sat between the two males and wrapped her hands in theirs. Angel was feeling indulgent as she repeated her appreciation to them both. As he watched the LA streets through the window he contemplated that it was the first time in a long time that he felt the pull of Angelus. There was a protocol to follow in the society that he once traveled in. And he had reveled in that life. The games of pretend with humans to get what he wanted and needed. That was one of the reasons he had so many problems with Spike in the beginning. Spike wanted to forget the society that had scorned him and wanted to live by the power of the fist. And Angel had wanted to forget his crude beginnings and revel in high society, flaunting his power at them.

Angel ran a finger along the shell of Buffy's ear down to the back of her neck and along the first curve of her spine. She shivered under his caress and he kissed the place where his mark lay. She was his. The thought was a power all its own. Spike may have killed two Slayers but he had tamed one. And she would bend to his will if he wanted it. It was a heady thought but he didn't want to break her. He wanted much more from this woman-child. He wanted her heart and soul.

The car stopped in front of a tall building and Angel stepped out first. He held his hand out to help Buffy from the car and then Spike. Damn anyone who didn't approve, he was proud of the beautiful blondes that were his lovers and mates. Buffy tucked her hand around his arm as he led them to the elevator.

Buffy was nervous. The fragrance rippled in the air around her in fragile waves that teased his demon. Her eyes were a little wider as the small car climbed to the 30th floor of the building. When the doors opened with a near silent swish, Angel allowed Spike to escort Buffy into the lobby of the restaurant. The hostess welcomed them to the Panorama restaurant. It was located on the top floor and as the name suggested it offered a 360 degree view of downtown Los Angeles.

Heads turned as the three made their way through the tables. Buffy followed the hostess with the seductive sway of her hips enhanced by the high heels and men stared hungrily at her. The women's eyes feasted on Spike and Angel dismissed any looks directed at him as jealousy that he was the one to accompany these two. They were shown to the table in the corner that he had requested. It would give Buffy an unsurpassed view from three different sides. And he knew he made the right choice as she looked around with a dreamy gaze.

"Do you like it?"

"Yes, I love it," Buffy said, smiling happily at him. "It's beautiful and am feeling very loved here."

"That's because you are," Spike said.

Their server came to the table and went through his spiel of welcoming them and telling them of the specials. Angel ordered champagne and appetizers. He knew it was presumptuous and a bit arrogant but relieved any guilt he felt by telling himself that he only wanted to coddle them. The server glanced at Buffy and Angel only raised a brow over eyes that flashed gold before he could ask. He scurried away to fulfill the request.

Sipping at her water, Buffy glanced around the restaurant and the view. She leaned back in her chair and smiled at him before opening her menu.

"Fancy food with no wings," Spike mumbled after giving it a quick look before closing it again.

"May I then?" Angel asked. Neither had complained about the appetizers so he offered because even Buffy's eyebrows were rising as she looked over the offerings.

They both nodded and he looked over the menu deciding what to order. The champagne was brought and after he decided it was satisfactory it was poured for his companions. Angel consulted with the server and placed the dinner order.  He asked for extra plates to be brought so that his mates could share or taste as they saw fit.

"I'd like to offer a toast for the birthday girl," Angel said, raising his glass. When Spike and Buffy had raised their glasses he looked from one to the other. "To Buffy, a rare and exotic flower that has graced our lives with her beauty and spirit; may this birthday be the beginning of everything that makes you happy."

From then on it seemed that their meal was blessed. Neither of them complained over the dinner he had ordered for them. The only problem came when Buffy was popping a third stuffed mushroom cap into her mouth and Spike whispered that she was eating escargot. Her eyes got big as she forced herself to swallow it. Angel told her that she had been enjoying them thus far so why get upset at that point. He laughed when she stuck her tongue out at Spike and popped a fourth in.

The extra dinner plates turned out to be an excellent idea as the two shared the split roasted chicken with warm spinach salad and the Angus Filet Mignon with Smoked Gouda potatoes. For dessert Angel had arranged for a small cake to be delivered to the table with one candle burning. Buffy was glowing as she made a wish and blew it out. He even tasted the cake when Buffy took a bite then kissed him. He licked the frosting from her mouth and watched as she did the same for Spike. Several people stared at their antics but he didn't care because they were all in high spirits.

By the time they exited the restaurant, Buffy was as bubbly as the champagne she had drank and he wrapped his arm around her to keep her steady. On the ride down in the elevator, she kept kissing both of them and making promises for when they returned to the apartment. A silly song was being piped into the lobby and he watched in amusement as Spike waltzed her across the marble floor singing along about the Glory of Love. The evening had been successful and Angel tucked Buffy under his arm on the ride home. She pulled Spike to her until their weights were comfortably heavy against him. His fingers stroked them as they made out on the way home. If they made it home as Spike's hand kept wandering under her skirt. He pulled on his slacks and wished the driver would hurry.

~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy ran a hand along the lace of her dress one last time before she zipped its bag closed. With a deep breath she turned to the mirror and gave herself a critical look. The black merry widow corset clung to her body and pushed her breasts impossibly close together and up. She looked older and sexier than she had ever felt before in the lingerie with the stockings held up by garters. For a moment she debated about whether to take her hair down but left it up after remembering reading somewhere that men liked to do that for women. Her teeth were carefully brushed and she checked her makeup one last time. A deep breath and she stepped out into the bedroom.

The room was lit only by the glow of a lamp from the living room. But she didn't need the light to find her mates. Angel was stretched across the bed on his back while Spike still wearing his slacks was lying on his side. His fingers were trailing across his Sire's flesh. Buffy felt the small intake of her breath at the vision they made. It was Angel that came to her. His hands possessed her hips, stepping closer to her till there was only a breath between them. His fingers skirted around her sides, lifting her until she pressed against him. Her hands clutched at his arms to keep from falling backwards and she heard more than felt the snap of the T where the straps of her panties met. Then it was gone and falling to the floor.

Angel released her, stepping around her as if stalking his prey, and his fingers tickled across her skin to her neck and up into her hair. Buffy caught Spike's eyes and focused on the sapphire blue to keep on her feet. Her hair began to fall across her shoulders as the pins were pulled from it. Cool breath across her upper back coaxed her body to a level of pulsating need that had only been hinted at all night. She licked her lips when the last pin was withdrawn and Angel combed her hair with his fingers arranging it to suit him.

Tilting her head back she looked up into the face of the vampire that had held her heart for so long. Buffy wasn't even aware of the tears that had gathered in her eyes until the back of his finger wiped one away.

"Don't cry," Angel whispered against her mouth. "We're going to catch you."

And she knew that they would. Tonight she was going to let go of everything and let them love her like they wanted. No inhibitions, no fear and no jealousy. He turned them and backed her up to the bed until she sat.

"Do you know how unbelievably sexy you were tonight? Everything screamed come take me even these shoes. Wear them for me more often?"

Angel continued to whisper, hypnotizing words, as his hands continued upwards, over her knees, "I love you", were whispered against her sex. Unable to watch, wanting only to feel, Buffy lay on her back, her hand searching for Spike. He scooted closer to her and placed a kiss on her forehead. His fingers caressed her cheek as he watched the brunette love her.

"Angel," Buffy moaned. "Please…"

Her hand squeezed Spike's until she thought she would break his fingers and her other hand grappled with the sheets trying to find an anchor in the storm of sensations.

A satisfied growl emanated from the vampire teasing her unmercifully.  Her fingers wrapped in his hair pulling him closer to her. When she reached the point of beyond he forced her into a sweet oblivion of pleasure.  Her body quivered as she was rolled and pulled upwards by Spike. Angel came to cover her and her hands cupped his face so she could kiss him. The gesture surprised him and Buffy felt the power of her attraction as he shuddered against her. One hand released Angel only to pull Spike closer, kissing him, fighting for dominance as their tongues caressed and mated.

They moved over her, taking turns kissing her before Angel rolled them so she was on top. The woman gloried in her power to be the one in control as she straddled him. Angel's groan of delight was smothered as Spike kissed him. His hands stroked Angel's chest and stomach as she moved with him. Her hand tangled in Spike's hair as he licked Angel's belly.

Angel's hand moved over Spike's back and the other moved along her hip. She needed to hold onto something, anything, there was too much, too many signals being sent to her brain. Her fingernails sank into flesh and she closed her eyes in a feeble attempt to become grounded.

"Let it go, pet, scream for us," Spike encouraged as his mouth floated over her throat. Her hair was pushed aside as he moved behind her.

He moved along with her and his hands linked with Angel's on her hips. This was what she loved about them, this dance they did so easily, no one needed to ask or direct. Souls entwined and somehow she knew even though Spike didn't have one, he was there with them in this astral plane they reached when the three of them moved together. It didn't matter who was technically connected to whom as long as their bodies touched in this fever they created.

This was more of the lovemaking they had once planned on for their first time. She searched his eyes to make sure he was still the man she loved and that some twist of fate hadn't lied to them all and stolen him away. The warmth in his eyes held only love for her and she relaxed. For a moment she leaned back against Spike but he had other plans.

His slacks were quickly shed so that he could make love to her. But there was something else that she wanted. Something she knew Spike would want. She only hoped she was right.

Rising to her knees, she knelt in front of him. Spike's arms wrapped around her to hold her steady. He buried his face in her neck and she sighed.

"Want to feel your fangs scraping me," Buffy whispered. "Make me feel like I am truly yours."

It was something they had discussed but they were too scared of his chip to try him biting her. Her eyes quickly searched Angel's eyes for permission and he only looked puzzled. He maneuvered out from under them and knelt in front of her. Shaking her head, she mouthed for him to wait and the puzzlement turned to wariness. Spike vamped out so lost in what he was doing that he was unaware of the silent communications of his mates. She knew he would want to please her and she was right as he dragged his canines along her flesh. While she was lost in her release she pushed up while she pulled Spike's head down. Her body shook from the pleasure as Spike broke through her skin. He realized what was happening and while she was still lost in the pleasure he sank his fangs all the way in.

~~~~~~~~

Her blood poured into his mouth and Spike knew he wouldn't be able to hold out much longer. He drank the rich nectar and tightened his hold on her. He wanted to cry from the gift she had given him. It was the one thing he had wanted to do but hadn't been able to in fear of the pain it might bring. He had been left frustrated watching Angel perform while he only been able to receive the leftovers. His demon screamed his pleasure as he sucked at her. Knowing he had to so he wouldn't hurt her he let her slip away from him. Buffy collapsed against Angel and they grinned at each other over her head. They had worn her out. Angel licked at her bites. It was him that received the leftovers as Spike savored the hot blood that coated his mouth.

"I don't want to go home," Buffy said, sleepily.

"Not yet," Spike said. "We can sleep for a few hours."

"Good," she whispered as she snuggled between them.

Spike and Angel talked while she slept. They talked about their night, about their plans for the future which was alternated by short moments of slumber. But somehow they maintained contact between them and with her. And it was only when daylight was almost there and they couldn't put it off any longer did they awaken her. She needed to be home to accompany her mother to the hospital by nine and she would want time to shower and change when she got home.

"Buffy, its time for you to leave now," Angel said, shaking her gently.

Barely awake she stumbled from the bed and moved to the bathroom. Spike packed their things while he waited for her to clean up and get dressed. It didn't take her long and he smiled in appreciation at her timeliness. He didn't want to deal with having to cajole her along so they could get on the road. She came out wearing cotton pants and a UC Sunnydale sweatshirt with tennis shoes on her feet.

Picking up the bags, Spike waited for her to say good-bye to Angel.

"Spike, can I have a moment with Angel?" Buffy asked.

It hurt after the night of closeness that all of them had shared and he nodded his head and without saying anything to either of them turned to leave. She darted between him and the stairs to search his face.

"Stay then," Buffy said. "I'm just embarrassed to say it and it seemed easier one at a time."

"What is it, Luv?"

He dropped the bags and put an arm around her as she faced Angel. Her small body trembled with emotions close to fear and he pulled her tighter against him.

"I heard you all in the bathroom," Buffy said. "And Angel, I know you were angry about what I did to Spike. I know it's not an excuse but I was angry and really hurt." She bowed her head for a minute. "I love Spike and I didn't mean to hurt him. We've, at least I think we've made up over it.

But I'm sorry. Really sorry."

"Come here, Buffy," Angel said.

She hesitated and Spike pushed her gently to get her started. It would only anger Angel more if she didn't do as he bid. The slight push was all she needed and she came to stand in front of Angel. His hand cupped her face and he leaned down to kiss her.

"I know you're sorry and I can tell how much you love him. If nothing else than by the way you've treated him tonight." Angel said, looking up to glance at Spike. "Both of you need to learn not to hurt each other so much."

With a happy smile that she had been left off the hook, Buffy came back to Spike. Within a few minutes they were on their way back to Sunnydale and the life they were making without Angel.

To be continued in Chapter 8 – Discoveries

Author's Note: Thank you to Alantie/Allison for sending me a picture that inspired the first scene in this chapter.